By: Chrystal Gomes

I was nervous.  This was the first time I was to be a Health Mentor.  Although I had shared “my story” time and time again, this was going to be different.  This time, it could, and hopefully would, make a real difference within the context of a future medical community.

My biggest dilemma:   How much do I share?   Do I share the good, the bad, AND the ugly?

I was so nervous, I arrived at the building downtown one hour early.   I stopped in at the coffee shop across the street for a comforting French Vanilla Cappuccino.  I reviewed the paperwork regarding the Health Mentor Program.  I glanced over the sample questions and the answers I had pencilled in.

Still nervous, I made my way across the street and up to the second floor about 20 minutes early. The five students – all young women – were already there.  I was more nervous and I knew they could sense this.  Even if they couldn’t, I recall this being one of my first confessions to the group – that I was nervous.

I needn’t have been nervous.  They were a delightful group of students who were genuinely interested in hearing my patient voice.  [...] continue the story

By: Annette McKinnon

It is interesting to be a Health Mentor and talk to students in various disciplines who will ultimately have to work together for the good of the whole patient. You have some great ideas Zal, for engagement. I told my group that there was a “Patient Commando” out there and I have no doubt you are much discussed, even as we speak.

I think that in the past when I participated I talked too much – I am learning to shut up and answer the questions so that things can proceed better. The students were very interested and we covered all of the areas in good time. I was delighted when one of them gave me some quick advice about two exercises that she thought would benefit me. All of their areas of study were areas that I have used in my long career as a patient which has lasted much too long. Being a patient is something I would like to retire from.

I have a friend in advertising who says the same thing as you do Zal – telling a story is the best way to get an idea across and so this is a brilliant program to [...] continue the story